The 2012 Super Rugby champions the Chiefs will again play their only home pre-season match in Taupo next year.

They will take on the Highlanders in their opening trial game at Owen Delany Park at 3pm on Saturday, February 2.

That will be followed by away matches against the Reds at Stockland Stadium on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland on Friday, February 8, and the Hurricanes at Mangatainoka on Saturday, February 16.

The Chiefs then open their 2013 Super Rugby campaign away to the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday, February 22.

Head coach Dave Rennie said the Taupo game was a key part of the Chiefs interacting with their fans in the region and it was a prime opportunity for families to bring picnics and watch the Super Rugby champions in action.

"It is important to the Chiefs family to remain connected to our community and there is no better way to do this than to play around our region," Rennie said.

The Chiefs are also playing two of their competition home games outside of Hamilton with the Easter match against the Blues on Saturday, March 30, at Baypark Stadium in Mt Maunganui and the fixture against the Western Force at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe, on Saturday, May 10.

Prices for the Taupo match start at $15 for general admission with children 14 and under free on the day. There is one price for grandstand seating of $25 and it is on a first-in, first-served basis.